Feelings of Guilt

About the Symptom

A false belief that one has done something wrong.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Frequent feelings of guilt or worthlessness

Possible Causes

Generally, Feelings of guilt can be related to:

• Depression

  Depression is a mental illness that leads to low mood, reduced energy levels, and changes in sleep. This affects everyday activities like attending school and work. As the condition worsens, patients might have suicidal thoughts. Although stress and past trauma can cause depression, it can take time to identify and address causes, and genetic factors may also be at play.

• Bipolar Disorder

  A disorder marked by extreme and persistent shifts in mood that last for weeks to months, from periods of sustained depression to periods of elevated mood and euphoria. The precise cause is unclear, but genetic and environmental factors contribute.

• Migraine

  A type of headache that typically presents as throbbing, pulsating pain on one side of the head, sometimes with associated nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. Sometimes, sensory disturbances, such as vision changes (seeing flashing lights or zigzag lines), can occur before the headache. The pain may worsen on exposure to bright lights or loud noise. Triggers for migraine include stress, poor sleep, caffeine, and hormonal changes in women.

• Alzheimer's Disease
• Dissociative Disorder
• Hypothyroidism
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Adjustment Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Anxiety

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Do you often feel worthless or guilty?
• How do feelings of guilt or worthlessness affect your daily life?

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